Itchy skin at 32 weeks pregnant

A visible rash can suggest irritation, eczema, hives, or another skin condition. Intense itch without a primary rash, especially on the palms or soles or worse at night, can occur with a pregnancy-related liver condition and should not be managed only with moisturiser.

Dryness often feels rough or tight, while contact dermatitis tends to follow exposure to a soap, fragrance, fabric, metal, or topical product. Hives form raised welts that can change position. Eczema commonly produces inflamed, dry areas and can present with marked itching.

Scratch marks are not the same as a rash that caused the itch. Note which appeared first, where symptoms began, whether anyone at home is itchy, and whether there are blisters, oozing, pain, fever, or swelling. Those details help your maternity clinician or dermatologist sort skin causes from systemic ones.

Use lukewarm rather than hot water, apply a fragrance-free emollient after bathing, wear loose breathable clothing, and keep nails short. A cool compress may reduce the urge to scratch. Stop a newly introduced cosmetic or fragranced product if it seems linked to the irritation.

Check with your pharmacist, obstetric clinician, or maternity team before starting a medicated cream, antihistamine, herbal preparation, or essential oil during pregnancy. Treatment depends on whether the itch comes from dryness, inflammation, infection, infestation, or a pregnancy-related internal cause.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for itching on the palms or soles, severe widespread itch without an obvious rash, or itching that is disrupting sleep. Seek same-day advice if it occurs with dark urine, unusually pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, or pain under the right ribs.

Urgent assessment is also appropriate for breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, a rapidly blistering rash, fever with a painful rash, or feeling acutely unwell. Contact maternity services immediately if your baby's movements are reduced or changed from their usual pattern.

Ask whether the location and absence or presence of a rash require liver blood tests, whether a skin examination is needed, and which moisturisers or medicines are suitable in pregnancy. Explain when the itching started, how it changes overnight, and whether your baby's movements feel usual.